The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) will be summoning Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte only if deemed necessary amid the bureau’s probe into the flood control projects within his jurisdiction.

According to NBI Director Atty. Melvin Matibag, the bureau may also summon Genesis88 Construction Inc., which cornered ₱1.9 billion worth of flood control projects in Duterte’s district.

“Hindi naman ‘to chismis, kasi siya na mismo nagsabi diba na sa DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) ‘yung pinanggalingan nung ating sinasabi, ‘yung ₱1.9 billion, which is awarded to one contractor… ₱1.9 (billion), in-award sa Genesis88 Construction,” he told reporters during an interview.

Speaking to DZRH, the director said the bureau learned that the construction firm’s owner was a “longtime” friend of the family’s.

Based on DPWH records, a number of the firm’s projects started in 2024 remain unfinished.

“Nagulat nga ako, ba’t nagagalit kaagad. Ang statement ko lang naman, there is a ₱1.9 billion na project na flood control na DPWH na lahat, na-award sa isang contractor. So ngayon, tinitingnan pa natin… may mga 2024 pa na hindi pa completed… So ebidensya ang tinitingnan natin at hindi marites,” the bureau director said.

Matibag clarified that the bureau’s investigation was still ongoing and that this did not constitute a declaration of verified irregularities in the awarding of almost ₱2 billion in contracts.

The Investigation chief argued that the Davao lawmaker should welcome their initiative, noting that the goal of any investigation is not merely to file charges when necessary, but also to prove an official’s innocence.

In a social media post, Duterte urged Matibag not to make the investigation personal.

He asserted that the probe should focus not on the figure who had repeatedly signed the contracts, but rather on whether there was overpricing, ghost projects, substandard construction, kickbacks, or any form of embezzlement of public funds.

Previously, ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio revealed to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICC) that the owner of Genesis88 Inc. is not only a longtime friend of the Dutertes, but also reportedly one of Vice President Sara Duterte's biggest campaign donors.